RE: [Harp-L] air leaks

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jonathan Roberson wrote:
> To be more specific about how to seals air leaks several years ago 
I 
> read online how to apply 3M micropore tape between the comb and 
reed 
> plates. I was under the assumption that this was one of the tweaks 
> that harp customizers use to improve a harps overall playing and 
> sound. Just looking for the "how to" so I could try my hand at it.

I wrote a piece that is hosted on Richard Hunter's harmonica website 
with a procedure for applying micropore gaskets: 
http://www.hunterharp.com/moyer1.html

Having said that, I no longer endorse the wholesale use of gaskets 
in harmonicas to improve the seal.  I've found that just as much 
good can be done by simply removing and retensioning the screws, and 
it reduces the risk of gunking up the harp.  In most modern 
harmonica designs, particularly those that use recessed reed plates 
in plastic combs (e.g., Lee Oskar, Hohner Special 20), there is very 
little leakage that takes place in a stock harmonica provided the 
screws are evenly tensioned.  Unfortunately, it's common in out-of-
the-box harmonica -- where the screws are tapped into the receiving 
plate by a machine -- for the screws to be over-tight and uneven, 
causing slight buckling of the plates, which allows leaks.  

If you have five minutes, a screw driver and a toothpick, the best 
thing you can do for your harps is to take them apart and put them 
back together, focusing on getting the plate screw tensions uniform, 
and use the toothpick to lower the stock gaps a little and also make 
them more uniform.  If you do this carefully, you can dramatically 
improve the performance of your stock harp without a bunch of fancy 
tools and tricks.  

-tim